Celebrity Xcel introduces seven new spaces and countless new experiences that take you far away from the everyday. The Bazaar completely erases the line between ship and shore. Bora takes brunch through the roof. And now, we’re revealing even more new ways to restore and explore. Introducing Celebrity Pool Club, your all-new, all-day outdoor destination featuring the Poolest Day Ever. Enjoy more aah at The Spa with our new Hydra Room and Vitamin D Deck. Any time is game time at the new Attic at The Club. And our new Celebrity Flagship is the store that makes you part of our story. There’s so much new to do, you’ll wish it took longer to get there. Not to worry. We’ll take care of every detail, so you can enjoy every moment. Here’s a look at what’s in store.

We’re thrilled to announce our very own “rockstar” captain is taking the helm of our next rockstar ship. Kyriakos Matragkas, affectionately known as Captain Kirk, is the perfect choice to guide Celebrity Xcel into the future.

Captain Kirk was born in Piraeus, Greece. He first started learning his trade as a young boy alongside his father, continuing a proud family seafaring tradition. He joined Celebrity Cruises in 2000, when he served on the launch crew of Celebrity Millennium. In 2003, he graduated from the Merchant Marine Academy of Hydra, the world’s oldest marine academy, and has been sailing with us ever since.

When he’s not at sea, Captain Kirk enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends. You’ll either find him shredding the slopes on his snowboard or shredding guitar—and if you’ve ever sailed with him, chances are you’ve seen his skills on stage. He’s also been perfecting his drumming skills and loves diving into a good book. He excels at being a captain and everything else he tries, so it’s fitting that he’s now in command of our newest groundbreaking ship. 

Learn more about Captain Kirk in the video below.

The new outdoor spaces on the renewed Celebrity Solstice give you a front row seat to the world. In Sunset Park, you’ll soak up the great outdoors in the great outdoors, while you enjoy elevated eats, drinks, and open-air concerts. Catch a movie on the big screen, curl up with a good book, play lawn games, or just do some people watching. We won’t judge. You can even reserve a private cabana with dedicated attendants and feel like you have the whole park to yourself. And every hour is happy hour at our newly expanded Sunset Bar, where you can drink in the views, along with your favorite cocktail. A day at the park never looked so good. 

Sail the renewed Celebrity Solstice in Alaska starting in May 2026.

Beach days hit the next level at the first of its kind Royal Beach Club^SM Paradise Island—only on Royal Caribbean. Here, exclusive meets all-inclusive. From your first water taxi ride to your last drink at the swim up bar, each mouthwatering bite and everything in between, it’s all complimentary with your All-Inclusive Day Pass. Swim, sip, and unwind on the powdery white sands of Family Beach or Chill Beach. And indulge in irresistible island fare like pinwheel shrimp skewers and vanilla bundt cake with guava sauce. Plus, soak up sweeping Caribbean views from three pools, each with its own vibe. Or head to Party Cove, where swim-up bar meets rooftop energy. Your ultimate beach day debuts in Nassau, The Bahamas, December 2025 on select sailings. 

Do you have a story from a Celebrity sailing you’d like to share? Tell us about your special sailings, celebrations, excursions, and moments, and what made them unforgettable, and if selected, you’ll be featured in a future Captain’s Club newsletter. Just fill in the survey linked below and tell us what made your cruise the best. We can’t wait to read the responses.